quote Originally posted by fieroparts.com: I hope this answers your question. Thanks Tim

You answered it exactly the way I expected... Thanks for your service to the Fiero Community

quote Originally posted by jscott1: As an owner of a T-top car with no weatherseals whatsoever I feel like I have a real need for a solution. Here's an idea... Let's all start buying seals from other cars until we find the closest match. Here's a set off a 300ZX for $24.99 http://cgi.ebay. com/ebaymotors/300ZX-Rubber-Weather-Strip-2-2-Roof-Pillar-Door-T-Tops_W0QQitemZ8024611586QQcategoryZ33652QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

John I'm with you there. There are a bunch of sets on E-bay. I can buy a bunch for $15 a set. I'll start with the Camaro sets since that what I think will fit then move to the mid 80's Lazers that had T-Tops and so on and see if I can come up with something.

Tim, sorry I've spent a lot of money with you and understand your situation, but unless it's a prefect match I'm not spending $250.00 per side for a weather seal.

Ah all the reasons I cut off my ttop roof and sold it. Thanks guys! Makes me feel better reading this thread that I made the right choice.
LMAO
J/k

What about MR2 seals?

Tim... It's amazing you can't help out fellow car enthusiasts, in a way I see it, but in a way I don’t...

You better not be buying all the CJB t-top cars you can find and hacking them up and selling the parts at your ridiculous prices... I noticed you bidding on a t-top car on e-bay... I hope that car goes to better hands then a parts butcher

Nebiros, That MR2 does look close doesn't it.

I guess I look for a set of those as well.

Thanks,

------------------
87 Fiero GT
White / Blue Pearl
Soon to be 3800 S/C
T-Top, 11.25" brakes
Whaletail, Mecham Scoops, ZR1 Scoop
T/A Fender Vents, Much Much More

86 SE Red
86 SE Gold
Formerly FieroGT87
My build Thread: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/036679.html

I may be in, depending on whether or not I find a T-Top setup fairly afforable. I'm either doing that or targa, so we'll see.

I hear where you are coming from man.
Im here for ya. Things get too tough let me know. I'll give you a good price for the Anniversary convertible Corvette.

quote Originally posted by fieroparts.com: I I do it to make money, to put food on the table, pay the bills and to keep a roof over my families head and to provide a service for the Fiero community. Thanks Tim

[This message has been edited by HIOSILVER! (edited 01-27-2006).]

I ordered a set of F-82 Camaro weather seals for C & C set-ups. They look really close, I keep everyone informed if they work.

quote Originally posted by Earl-R: I ordered a set of F-82 Camaro weather seals for C & C set-ups. They look really close, I keep everyone informed if they work.

They will work! You will need to cut them, as the Camaro T-tops are bigger. I made my cut at a 30* angle, in the middle of the seal. Then glued the two halves, back together. The part of the seal that goes down the A and B pillars, around the side windows, fit perfectly, on my car.

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WWW.CLEVELANDFIEROS.COM


My rear defuser

quote Originally posted by Nebiros88: What about MR2 seals? Tim... It's amazing you can't help out fellow car enthusiasts, in a way I see it, but in a way I don’t... You better not be buying all the CJB t-top cars you can find and hacking them up and selling the parts at your ridiculous prices... I noticed you bidding on a t-top car on e-bay... I hope that car goes to better hands then a parts butcher

"Parts Butcher" that's a new one. I guess ALL of the other Fiero part venders that part out Fieros to keep yours and others on the road are "Parts Butchers". Now that you have all of your t-top parts from me, (at my "ridiculous prices") you can go and bash me? For what? because you don't like my prices on t-top parts? Why did you buy them then? A. because you needed them to keep your "fiero" on the road.
I was just offering up a fix we have to "help out fellow car enthusiasts" I wonder if KFC will help other food enthusiasts out by giving the gravy recipe out. It's too bad this thread ended up with BS in it, for that I say sorry to Caspermont and will not be adding to it in a less then positive way from this point on.

Thanks
The Parts Butcher

[This message has been edited by fieroparts.com (edited 01-30-2006).]

quote Originally posted by 3.8 SC: I made my cut at a 30* angle, in the middle of the seal. Then glued the two halves, back together. The part of the seal that goes down the A and B pillars, around the side windows, fit perfectly, on my car.

Thanks!!! For your contribution to the forum you are the proud new owner of a "+"

I have nothing against you scrapping parts cars, things beyond repair... but getting a nice t-top formula and stripping it for parts when it is still a very road worthy car is what I am against. I don't need any lecture about what has to be done to provide for yourself and your family, I have nothing against your business. Your prices are a little high, but I didn't have trouble paying for OEM parts...

quote Originally posted by Nebiros88: Tim... It's amazing you can't help out fellow car enthusiasts, in a way I see it, but in a way I don’t... You better not be buying all the CJB t-top cars you can find and hacking them up and selling the parts at your ridiculous prices... I noticed you bidding on a t-top car on e-bay... I hope that car goes to better hands then a parts butcher

On the hard side don't ya think!!!

[This message has been edited by ibcruzn (edited 01-30-2006).]

Now I have to go with Fieroparts.com on this one.

As a business, you have to protect yourself, and should not be slammed or flamed because
he will not let you in on his findings that he spent money researching. I would love as much
as everyone else on here to know which seals work. But he spent the money, and has every
right to make a living keeping our little monsters on the road.

At my shop, if you call me and tell me that your computer is freezing, and you have alot of pop
up, etc etc etc, I am not going to sit and tell you how to fix the problem. Not unless I set up a
900 number and charge you. If I do this, then you no longer need to bring your pc to my shop.
And I don't get supper that night

It is the same principle. He invested his money to find a solution. He is willing to offer his solution
for a price. Is it fair of us to EXPECT him to GIVE us the recipe as well? Just be thankful that twenty
years later, there are still vendors to make and sell these items for our cars.

Just my 22 cents.

Randy

No one expects anybody on this forum to give up trade secrets or any information that will compromise their business. I agree with that 100%.

I don't expect Archie to post a step by step how to chop a top. I don't expect Fast Fieros to post all his secrets about how to tune an engine, etc, etc.

But last time I checked no one, even Tim, was selling cut and spliced T-top weatherseals made from other cars. The only reason to conceal that information is to artificially drive up the demand (ie price) for the few remaining OEM t-tops seals that remain out there.

Now I agree it's fully his right to conceal that information too, but why post on here that you have the information if you are not willing to share it. That's just plain mean. IMHO he should have just kept silent if he was not willing to help.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: No one expects anybody on this forum to give up trade secrets or any information that will compromise their business. I agree with that 100%. I don't expect Archie to post a step by step how to chop a top. I don't expect Fast Fieros to post all his secrets about how to tune an engine, etc, etc. But last time I checked no one, even Tim, was selling cut and spliced T-top weatherseals made from other cars. The only reason to conceal that information is to artificially drive up the demand (ie price) for the few remaining OEM t-tops seals that remain out there. Now I agree it's fully his right to conceal that information too, but why post on here that you have the information if you are not willing to share it. That's just plain mean. IMHO he should have just kept silent if he was not willing to help.

It's real simple, you never read what I HAD posted (was removed)in this thread. I posted a link to the mall where I had them for sale. Look before you leap.

Tim, I've never met you, I don't know you personally, I've even bought from you before...

If you want to keep all the t-top secrets to yourself, fine. However, I suggest not entering into these type threads with less than helpful information.

Nothing personal.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: Kind of reminds me of another time when a forum member was looking for the missing T-top template. A certain other member replied back that they have one, but was not willing to share any details about it. https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20050818-1-049567.html

I can see why he doesn't want to ship the actual template, but why can't he trace it out in vellum paper, or something of that sort, then actually sell each piece of vellum for like $20. With all the T-Top setups changing hands and being installed in home garages, he'd probably sell quite a few of them. I mean he'd be making money off the template, and it wouldn't be just sitting there collecting dust. The vellum would be super easy to ship too, just roll it up and put into a poster tube, easy as pie.

quote Originally posted by fieroparts.com: It's real simple, you never read what I HAD posted (was removed)in this thread.

How do you expect me to read a post that you removed?

If you are selling cut and spliced T-tops seals then I apologize for my comment about not sharing that information. A simple link to the Mall would have been appreciated. I might even be tempted to buy them. But lacking that infomation your post seemed less than helpful to me.

[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 01-30-2006).]

quote Originally posted by jscott1: Tim, I've never met you, I don't know you personally, I've even bought from you before... If you want to keep all the t-top secrets to yourself, fine. However, I suggest not entering into these type threads with less than helpful information. Nothing personal.

You suggest not entering into these type threads with less than helpful information.
I offered the parts for sale, and a fix you just never read the post or any of the other posts that make reference to the sale of the seals, or my cross link post (that is now removed)
That's my fault? It would be really nice if we could all take the time to read what is posted before jumping the gun!

quote Originally posted by fieroparts.com: You suggest not entering into these type threads with less than helpful information. I offered the parts for sale, and a fix you just never read the post or any of the other posts that make reference to the sale of the seals, or my cross link post (that is now removed) That's my fault? It would be really nice if we could all take the time to read what is posted before jumping the gun!

I never saw your posts, (now removed). I'm not reading the forum 24/7. I offered an apology. I suggest you accept it because it's the only one forthcoming.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: How do you expect me to read a post that you removed? If you are selling cut and spliced T-tops seals then I apologize for my comment about not sharing that information. A simple link to the Mall would have been appreciated. I might even be tempted to buy them. But lacking that infomation your post seemed less than helpful to me.

It was posted on the 21th and removed the day the bashing started the 26th.

No hard feelings.

But as a person who makes his living selling Fiero Parts, I would suggest that it would be more profitable not to pi$$ off your potential customers. I have three T-top Fieros. I might have considered buying your seals.

bump

quote Originally posted by fieroparts.com: I own a REAL Fiero parts business..........I do it to make money ........and to provide a service for the Fiero community.

So which is it? and you could've simply remained silent rather than posting a misleading reply of "who said it was a camaro"

Bump for Earl-R and his noble quest.

quote Originally posted by Caspermont: bump

Anything new, Casper?

Hi Everyone,

Well I got my answer and it is do able for brand new seals but also not the solution I was hoping for. I talked with Metro Seals and they were interested in doing them. They also make a lot of t-top seals for other cars. So they have the expertist to do it. Let tell me they are harder to make then door seals etc. They also have seen the after market over seas kind that always leaks and worned me about that.

So they are happy to make the seals for us but will only do it on a contract basis. If we were to paid them $35,000(their best guess) they will make some where around 200 to 300 seals for us. if you work that out the seals (4 parts) are only $175 per set maybe less. Great deal for us.
Problem is that I doubt if there are 100 owners out there willing to give me $350 for a set of seals as a member investor. Sure we might get 50 owners but 100 I doubt it. Even 35 at a $1000 would make it but then again risk to the persons money etc. Just hard to work out all the deatails of the owners investing in the seals.
I don't have the $35,000 to make it work and I doubt anyone else has it either. It most likely can be a solid pay back for the investors into this. If the seals are sold at $350 per set (both doors) then 100 seals is breaks even and there are still another 100 or more for sale to make a little payback. Best part we all have new seals for a good price.
JScott and others have mentioned cutting other car seals and glueing themback together. I know that this solutions will not cost as much as this and there could be enough members willing to do this that the sales for new ones may not work out. So I would say this most likely will not work out for us.
-Not enough people willing to put up the money to make the seals,
-have not found a good company willing to make them maybe over seas but quality could be a big problem.
-There are other solutions that are out there, cutting other seals to match a fiero size.

I'm waiting to hear from JScott on how the cut seals worked out. I think I'll do the same as long as it looks fairly nice. Fiero parts .com has a solution also so with that I'll be stopping the investigation. If you have had good luck with the cut seals please tell the rest of us about the seals what you did and how it looks pictures.

Thanks for all the help to all. I learned a hell of lot about t-tops doing this.

Casper

quote Originally posted by Caspermont: I'm waiting to hear from JScott on how the cut seals worked out. I think I'll do the same as long as it looks fairly nice. Fiero parts .com has a solution ... Casper

I sincerley appreciate all the leg work to inquire about having these made. However, I agree that it's a bit unrealistic for any individual to put up the $35,000 to have these made and it's a tough sell to get people to front the money with no firm date as to when they will get made.

It would be nice if a Fiero Vendor would invest in these with the reasonable expectation of making their money back over time...but since no vendor has stepped up to do that it seems like the dream of new seals is dead for now.

I do plan to cut up some seals since I have a t-top car with no seals whatsoever. I intend to share my findings with the forum and help everyone to make their own seals, if it works out okay.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: I intend to share my findings with the forum and help everyone to make their own seals, if it works out okay.

You da Man!!!

------------------
Ron
Freedom isn't Free, it's always earned.
My imagination is the only limiting factor to my Fiero. Well, there is that money issue.

quote Originally posted by 1986 Fiero GT: I can see why he doesn't want to ship the actual template, but why can't he trace it out in vellum paper, or something of that sort, then actually sell each piece of vellum for like $20. With all the T-Top setups changing hands and being installed in home garages, he'd probably sell quite a few of them. I mean he'd be making money off the template, and it wouldn't be just sitting there collecting dust. The vellum would be super easy to ship too, just roll it up and put into a poster tube, easy as pie.

It's been twice this same question was asked and twice it was ignored. Once in the thread linked above and once here, It seems like a viable alternative to shipping the whole assy. I am just curious as to why you have not replied to this. It's a money maker (you stated you were in this to make money) and it also helps out the community which you support (again you have already stated this). Just so you know I don't own a T-top car, but I do plan on owning one. I have passed on a couple of T-top set ups just for the reason that I am not confident enough to measure and cut up my roof. This is one of those items that would be a big help and I be you could sell dozens. This may not be one of the most articulate post but I think you see my point. So how bout it Tim? -Jason

PM sent to you Caspermont

quote Originally posted by Fierofreak00: It's been twice this same question was asked and twice it was ignored. Once in the thread linked above and once here, It seems like a viable alternative to shipping the whole assy. I am just curious as to why you have not replied to this. It's a money maker (you stated you were in this to make money) and it also helps out the community which you support (again you have already stated this). Just so you know I don't own a T-top car, but I do plan on owning one. I have passed on a couple of T-top set ups just for the reason that I am not confident enough to measure and cut up my roof. This is one of those items that would be a big help and I be you could sell dozens. This may not be one of the most articulate post but I think you see my point. So how bout it Tim? -Jason

I'm actually about to buy a T-Top setup myself, so I'm not only interested in that template, but I'd also like a pair or affordable seals. Almost $1,000 for seals is a bit ridiculous, so I commend Caspermont on his efforts. I would have no problem investing $350 to get these made, and the only thing I would expect out of my investment would be a brand new set of seals. Now, if Jonathan can get those modified seals to work, I'll consider trying those too. Honestly, all I want is a pair of seals that actually seal that I can actually afford.

Step 1) Buy set of 4th Gen Firebird seals. The third gen is probably a closer match but the 4th gen is a lot cheaper because they are pulled off junk cars and the third gen are reproductions. Next step when I get them is to see how far off they are. More to come.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8041148387&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Once again I am impressed with the engineers at Pontiac. I have been looking at my seals lately and I am sure that I could make this if I had the cross section of material that goes around the t-top. looks really easy. cut it from a bulk roll, fit it up to the car trim it to fit the stock seal, glue it up. so the problem is to find the raw material. Casper have you contacted any rubber seal manufacture to find out if they can make a hundred feet or so of this material? I am sure if I had it I could deal with the rest. Either match up to an exising seal or a new one from somewhere. Let me know,

John
88 T-top formula
86 coupe
85 SE
85 GT (autocrosser)

Casper I sent you a PM.

I hope it helps!